The reason we recommend the gap analysis and SMS implementation plan is to:

Educate safety team as to SMS requirements and best practices; and

Save time and energy by not having to drastically rework your SMS documentation.

The purpose of this article is to save safety managers time and money during:

SMS implementation; and

Regular review of the SMS documentation.

We also hope to shed some light on some best practices revolving around safety accountabilities in aviation SMS programs.

What Is Safety Accountability?

First, let's define accountability, which is especially useful for those that speak English as their second language. "Accountability" is the fact or condition of being accountable. Synonyms include responsibility, liability, and answerability.

"The service provider shall identify the accountable executive who, irrespective of other functions, shall have ultimate responsibility and accountability, on behalf of the organization, for the implementation and maintenance of the SMS. The organization shall also identify the accountabilities of all members of management, irrespective of other functions, as well as of employees, with respect to the safety performance of the SMS. Safety responsibilities, accountabilities and authorities shall be documented and communicated throughout the organization, and shall include a definition of the levels of management with authority to make decisions regarding safety risk tolerability."

I added the bold to emphasize the most important elements of this paragraph.

The accountable executive has ultimate responsibility for implementation and maintenance of SMS program.

Establishing the accountable executive is an easy requirement to satisfy. Accountable executives are usually a:

Chief executive officer;

Chief operation officers

Chairman of the board of directors;

Partner; or

Principal.

The important takeaway here is that there is only one! This is where the buck stops! One cannot share the ultimate responsibility with another, else there can never be an "ultimate responsibility" assigned.

Establishment of the organization's safety objectives and safety targets;

Acting as the organization's safety champion; and

Having final responsibility for the resolution of all safety issues.

Managing Safety Costs Money. No Money, No Safety.

In every organization, managers control the allocation of resources, including financial, technical and personnel. Withholding resources are the first indicator that top management is not fully committed to the SMS programs. Resources are required to mitigate safety risks when hazards manifest themselves and threaten the capabilities of the airline or airport.

The bottom line is that no top management commitment means that no money comes, which leads to the failure of the safety program.

Also, identify the accountabilities of all members of management and all employees.

Personnel performance reviews are dependent on employees in compliance with key safety activities;

Management recognizes employee contributions to the safety program; and

Management communicates the significance of the safety program to all employees.

Final Thoughts on Aviation SMS Safety Accountabilities

Documented elements of SMS programs are usually pretty easy to fake during the first few years of SMS audits. We often hear of smaller operators purchasing SMS manuals that have all the "pretty" and "politically correct" words. These convenient manuals may still have another company's name in them.

Templates and purchased manuals are great starting points to jumpstart your SMS implementation, but ensure that they have been modified to reflect the correct nature of your operations. Furthermore, take a few minutes each year and review these documents to ensure they remain relevant.

Final words: don't be afraid to make changes whenever necessary. Changes should be accepted by top management. Safety accountabilities of managers must reflect the size, nature, and complexity of your operations, and also consider hazards and safety risks associated with your operations.